Ontario has plans to welcome more immigrant health care workers

The province of Ontario is working to make it easier for qualified immigrants to join the healthcare workforce. On July 4, the provincial government announced changes to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) aimed at expanding the healthcare sector and increasing the number of occupations eligible under the In-Demand Skills stream.

In a press release, the government highlighted that these changes will help address ongoing labor shortages in crucial sectors like healthcare, while also offering better protection to newcomers.

“Newcomers are essential to growing our economy and building a stronger, more inclusive Ontario for everyone,” said David Piccini, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. He emphasized that by expanding the pathways within the OINP, the province can attract top talent and remove barriers that have previously hindered internationally educated professionals, particularly in healthcare.

Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones echoed this sentiment, noting that the province urgently needs more workers to care for its aging population. “This change will help attract internationally educated nurses to work in Ontario’s retirement communities,” she said.

One of the notable changes announced is that Ontario will now exempt nurses registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario in certain designated classes from needing to provide a bachelor’s degree to qualify for the OINP Express Entry Human Capital Priorities and French-Speaking Skilled Worker streams.

This adjustment creates additional pathways for internationally educated nurses, making it easier for them to receive a nomination and contribute to Ontario’s healthcare system.

The OINP is also broadening the range of occupations eligible for the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream, expanding from 22 to 56 occupations. This change is in response to feedback from consultations held on the program’s eligibility, and it will allow more skilled workers to qualify.

In addition to these expansions, the government is also taking steps to combat fraud. The press release stated that Ontario is increasing the Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) for employers, representatives, and recruiters found guilty of fraudulent activities. The minimum penalty will rise from $2,000 to $10,000, which aims to prevent misuse of the program and protect immigrants from fraud.

FAQs:

1. What is the main goal of the changes to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)?

• The primary goal is to expand the healthcare workforce by making it easier for qualified immigrants, particularly internationally educated nurses, to work in Ontario. The changes also aim to increase the number of occupations eligible for the In-Demand Skills stream and to protect immigrants from fraud.

1. How are the new changes helping internationally educated nurses?

• Ontario will now exempt certain nurses registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario from needing a bachelor’s degree to qualify for specific OINP streams. This creates additional pathways for these nurses to enter the workforce.

1. What measures are being taken to prevent immigration fraud in Ontario?

• Ontario is increasing the Administrative Monetary Penalties for those involved in fraudulent activities. The minimum penalty for such fraud will increase from $2,000 to $10,000, helping to protect immigrants from being exploited.

With these updates, Ontario hopes to attract more skilled healthcare workers, address labor shortages, and ensure that newcomers are protected as they contribute to the province’s growing needs.